ADAPT stands ready to assist Published Nov. 18, 2019 By Tech. Sgt. Matthew B. Fredericks 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and analyzed by the Delphi Behavioral Health Group, the average service member binge drinks 41 days of the year. That’s five or more drinks on one occasion once every nine days. The KAB Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program stands ready to assist those struggling with an alcohol or drug addiction. “If a member is ready to address alcohol concerns, ADAPT will absolutely have their back,” said Tech. Sgt. Chelsea Black, 18th Medical Operations Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of ADAPT. “Each member serving is a brother and sister in arms and will be treated with dignity, respect, and equality when they step foot through our doors.” Enrolling in ADAPT may result in short-term limitations for deployments, temporary duties, Permanent Change of Station to overseas locations and potentially planned leave. These limitations never apply to members who do not receive an alcohol-related diagnosis, according to Capt. Timothy Naill, 18th MDOS ADAPT Program manager. For members who do receive an alcohol-related diagnosis, by the time they complete the program, the limitations no longer apply with one exception. Many overseas bases may deny PCS for members who have recently completed ADAPT. “It is important to note that for members struggling with alcohol use, it is far more likely that an alcohol related incident will impact their career than simply participating with ADAPT,” Naill continued. “In the end, it is worth it to have met with ADAPT.” Military members with alcohol or drug problems have the option to self-refer to the program before they are referred by their leadership, medical personnel, or through an addictive behavior referral. “I went on my own accord because I noticed a trend of alcohol abuse and needed to get it under control before it got me in trouble,” said Staff Sgt. Bryon Harrison, an 18th Comptroller Squadron budget analyst who self-referred to ADAPT at a previous base. “There were no negative impacts on my career.” One of the primary objectives of the program is to minimize the negative consequences of substance misuse and abuse, to the individual, family, and their organization. “Seeking treatment prior to negative implication can save a great deal of negative outcomes in our personal life,” stated Black. Another objective of the program is to restore function and return members to unrestricted duty status, or to assist them in their transition to civilian life, as appropriate. “Coming forward early can help us address not only the alcohol, but also help us figure out if there may be underlying reasons the person’s alcohol use has increased,” said Black. “Addiction is a problem for all walks of life and does not discriminate based on age, gender, race, religion or nationality.” For more information about the ADAPT program or the KAB mental health flight visit https://www.kadena.af.mil/Agencies/Kadena-Medical-Clinic/Mental-Health-Clinic/Search/